Vaccinium corymbosum 'Northsky' - 'Northsky' Dwarf Blueberry

Discover the 'Northsky' Dwarf Blueberry, an ultra-hardy and compact variety, perfect for Quebec gardeners! This bush yields a flavourful harvest of small, sweet berries, ideal for fresh consumption. Its miniature size and incredible cold resistance make it an exceptional choice for small spaces, borders, or container growing, while offering magnificent reddish foliage in the fall.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Northsky' Blueberry provides an average production of berries ripening mid-season. Despite their modest size, these fruits more than compensate with their concentrated sweetness and intense flavours, a true treat for the palate.

• Harvest Period: Late July to early August
• Visual Description: Small, round berries, a beautiful sky blue, firm and plump.
• Flavour Profile: Very sweet, with a slight touch of acidity that awakens the palate. Juicy and fragrant, they offer a concentrated taste experience.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh, in jams, pastries, smoothies, or dried for a fruity winter touch.

Planting Guide

To ensure a successful 'Northsky' blueberry harvest, follow these essential steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Northsky' in full sun for optimal fruit production. A site with slight protection from dominant winds is beneficial.
2. Soil Preparation: This blueberry bush requires very acidic soil (ideal pH between 4.5 and 5.5), rich in organic matter, and with excellent drainage. Generously amend the soil with sphagnum peat, acidic compost, or a specialized potting mix for acid-loving plants.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill with your amended soil mix and gently tamp down. Space plants approximately 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet) apart for optimal development.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile, but the presence of another blueberry cultivar nearby will significantly increase your yield.
   • Suggested Partners: For a maximum harvest, plant varieties like 'Northblue' or 'Chippewa' nearby.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods, and during fruit formation. Water deeply and regularly, avoiding standing water.
• Fertilization: In early spring, apply a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove dead, diseased, or weak wood, and thin out older stems (over 5-6 years) to encourage new productive growth.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: To protect your valuable berries, install bird netting as soon as the fruits begin to change colour.
  • Winter Protection: Due to its exceptional hardiness (Zone 3), 'Northsky' generally does not require additional winter protection in Quebec. A good layer of mulch at the base of the plant is sufficient to insulate the soil.